Everyone please know that I am not an advocate for Rick Warren.  I do not agree with him on everything.  But I get riled up whenever I see any Christian unfairly denigrated, especially when some of the criticism is taken out of context and misrepresented, and when it is done with a mean spirit and with no credit given for any good being done.

CAPS made a good point by pointing out Paul's words: "The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice" (Philippians 1:18, NIV).

We cannot judge that Warren has a false motive.  As far as I know, his motives are pure.  But regardless, with Paul, "I rejoice."

I once attended a Warren-type "seeker-friendly" church for awhile and was not happy there and left.  The preaching was biblical and Christ-centered, but it was shallow.  It was milk, not solid food.  But even Paul wrote that some "need milk, not solid food" (Hebrews 5:12), and also exhorted them to "go on to maturity" (6:1).  The church did bring in many needing milk, and they were ministered to there.  Hopefully, the Holy Spirit will lead them to "go on to maturity."

We should be slow to criticize.  When I do criticize other believers, it is usually against those who set themselves up as everyone else's critics, and who believe God has given them a special "ministry of criticism."  I don't think so.

Jim